Monthly Archives: January 2014

Any club members out there who fancy themselves as journalists? We are always looking for people to contribute to the “latest news” section of our website. Most posts are about club business, but anything from the world of squash and/or racketball is of interest. Speak to any committee member to find out how you can send in your contributions.

A huge congratulations to John Sharratt – club champion for the first time. John triumphed over Graham Laing in the final, which was played in December 2013. After several appearances in the final over recent years, John was beginning to think he would never win the tournament – just goes to show that perseverance pays off. Hopefully there’ll be lots of hopefuls vying to knock John off his perch in the 2014 tournament, coming in the autumn.

Hi all, and welcome to the all new GSRC website. This page will contain regular updates of what is happening in the club, including competition results, details of friendly matches with other clubs and internal leagues. More will appear later…. for now, use the menu items above to find out more about the club, where we are and how to join us.

The January issue of Gala Life included a full page feature on the club – for those that didn’t see it, the text is reproduced below

At Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club things are happening…come and be part of it !

You may not have heard much about our sport since the days of Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan or Peter Nicol in the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s but squash is now making a comeback. There are more active participants now than any time in the last decade and a similar, but easier to play, sport called racketball is developing out of nowhere. In Galashiels, we have one of the few clubs left in the Borders and, like the rest of the squash community, it is starting to thrive again.

You may have read press reports of the recent developments in the world of squash. There was the narrow failure to get a place in future Olympic competitions, despite an excellent campaign. Or maybe you’ve heard of the revolutionary new scoring, refereeing and challenge systems that, coupled with high definition TV, is reaffirming squash as a spectator sport. Alternatively, you may have seen the World Championship victory for Yorkshireman Nick Matthew in the World Championships, held in Manchester in September, which ensured that Britannia once again rules the waves in world squash. The finals were covered live on BBC TV.

As we say, at Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club things are happening. The club has recently run a successful handicap tournament and members are currently competing in the annual club championships. The Club runs squash leagues and a racketball ladder and have begun to resurrect challenge matches with other clubs in the region. Every Monday the club holds a well-attended club night for members and visitors alike and these evenings are an excellent opportunity for anyone to come along to see facilities and swing a racket at our friendly club. Whether you have played to a high level, not played for years or not played at all, there will be others in the same boat and the round robin format makes Monday night club nights enjoyable.

Racketball matches also take place on a Monday night – Racketball is played on a squash court with bigger, bouncier balls and bigger rackets. The game is therefore easier to learn and play and is growing in popularity. Membership fees are very competitive and the club offers short-term deals if you just want to try it out for a bit. You can get in touch on the website (www.galasquashclub.co.uk) or by email on enquiry@galasquashclub.co.uk. Alternatively, just come down on any Monday evening from 7pm – the courts are opposite the fire station in Gala and you can find directions and a map on the website. You too can join the resurgence of Borders squash – Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club are looking forward to seeing you soon on the squash court !